BETHESDA, Md—The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has earmarked $30 million for use over the next 5 years to support a group of projects that will unite research scientists and community leaders in efforts to address disparities in national cancer rates among minorities and other underserved groups.

The community-based programs will implement cancer awareness activities, support minority enrollment in clinical trials, and encourage minority scientists to participate in cancer research.

The new effort, called the Special Populations Networks for Cancer Awareness Research and Training, replaces and expands two earlier efforts now drawing to a close—the 1989 National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer and the 1992 Hispanic and Appalachian Leadership Initiatives.